School days

My littles have been back in school for almost a month but it feels way longer with the switch from anything-goes living to all-in soccer practice, Awana, 8pm bedtime, reading logs, library books and homework routines.  We've been surviving, albeit with a bit of whiplash, and they've even surprised me with taking on their own morning responsibilities.  Not an easy feat when their bus comes in the 6's!  That's right.  Those screeching brakes can be heard at 6:55 in the morning.  I honestly thought I would be driving them to school by now, but they are up bright and early and toasting pancakes, some mornings with their heads in their hands and eyes barely opened.  I'm learning how to embrace these mornings as well.  From whispering them awake while scratching their backs to pulling up the step stool so they can make their favorite smoothies.  My heart actually flutters a little the night before as I anticipate our morning rituals. A miracle considering I didn't wake up once before 9am the entire summer.  However, my favorite routine is when we squish together on the dusty green love seat to read from the Jesus Storybook Bible.  Last year they would take turns picking out a story but this year I've decided to start at the beginning.  Their little bodies pressed into mine with the smell of their wet hair and all our hands clasped together as we pray.  I don't know how much of these days they'll remember but my dad always says that someday it will come back around.  I love that.

1st grade with Mrs. Bock

 4th grade with Ms. Connolly ("Mom!  She has cilantro tattooed on her wrist!"  Apparently having an herb tattoo is what qualifies as cool. Who knew?)

 1st day of school!

 Time is on speed dial.

 Soccer days-Ms. A is in her element out on the field.  Have you seen anyone this beautiful in a soccer uniform?  She cannot get enough of practice or game time.  I wish I could bottle up some of the energy she has for soccer and channel it into piano practice. :)

 This is the first year he really loves playing, although tai kwon do is still his first love.  He absolutely beams when he scores a goal.  I am such a proud soccer mom.

 So another year is on a roll and I am thankful I'm still here for it.   I am trying to find the middle ground between appreciating what I have and being a hot mess every time I kiss my babies before climbing into bed.  Does that make any sense?  I'm trying to hold my loves with an open hand but God and I are still in heavy negotiations over it.  Cancer is a mosaic of broken pieces made smooth when looked at as a whole.  It forces you to see your life through a magnifying glass and hold your breath at the beauty of it all.

A little more magic

I'd like to be able to say that when I find myself with a few extra minutes I find some creative game to play with my kiddos but I'm probably scrolling through my phone.  And when I can't stop looking at photos I know they need to show up here.  Our second trip to California was equal parts peace and adventure with company just the right shade of perfect.  We stayed up way too late, got chatty on the worn in couches, watched our littles find their independence with an inner tube and a couple paddles, ate such yummy fare, saw three deer meander up to the porch and basically ask for dinner, fished, and cliff-jumped (go Amy!).  It was absolute perfection.  The down side is that it ended with a trip to the ER so I could get some fluids and recover from some kind of stomach bug.  The up side was that I was better by the next morning and able to drive home with my family.  I was pretty stubborn about making this trip happen and I am so so glad that I did.

Happy travelers.  These two are so much fun on vacation.  First of all I don't even know what time they get up but it's before me and I'm pretty sure there's sugar cereal and shows on their electronic devices involved.  But once I can manage a coherent sentence we are off to the races.  They are equal parts crazy, creative, silly and affectionate.  Man, I love being their mama.

For someone who says she's going to have a chauffeur drive her around she was awfully excited to drive the boat.  Thankfully, Garett is a very patient instructor.

This one thought he was commandeering a pirate ship.  Ian, not Garett.

This was a magical place Amy named The Narrows.  And it was a our own personal playground for the day.  A little bit of this, a little bit of that, and Ava kissed a duck.  I don't know...

Ivy gettin some love.

How many Ivy's can you spot?

Getting their morning wrestle on.

I love their faces in this photo.  So much happy.

This is where their adventure took them.  And this is me zooming in.  I like to call this free-range parenting.  

Hamming it up for the camera.

A little more

50 shots later

And we've decided to combine out musical talents.  Our new band name...Fig Mountain Tap Takeover.  It has a nice ring to it don't you think?

We even had time to stop and see the beautiful Oden family and sneak in a few snuggles before heading home.  I can't wait to do it again.  If only Ben would quit his job so he could drive me around to see my friends year round.  Selfish.

I stole this one because I like it so much.  Miss you!

Oh summer why do you have to end?  You are a beautiful tease and I love you.  Until next time.